Generalist MSN to Post-Master's Cert possible?

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Hi Everybody!

I have a B.A. in Advertising, currently in a 2nd degree Generalist MSN program. We're told we'll need further schooling afterwards to get an NP degree. A couple of people have told me very few of my classes will transfer over to NP schools. Here are my questions:

1. Will I have a hard time getting accepted into a post-master's program with a generalist MSN degree?

2. Should I try to get accepted into another school where I'll graduate with a BSN & MSN & will be able to take the cert. test right after?

3. Should I just get my BSN and hope my future employer will pay for my MSN/NP?

To try to get into the other school, I have to take 3 more prereq's and the GRE.

I REALLY appreciate anyone's honest input. I'm in my 40's, married, with a 7 yr old, so I have to be careful.

Thanks a million!!

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Specializes in Psych.

Generalist MSN? Not quite sure what that is. I've only heard of the MSN ED, MSN leadership, and MSN informatics (the computer one, not quite sure if this scythe title). I assume you are getting the BSN along the way. To answer the question I'm getting an MSN ED. All my classes are applicable to the NP program I'm applying to. Ill have to do the NP classes that's all. Just Google second degree NP or post MSN certificate NP to see the schools and their curriculum.

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Thank you for your reply.

No, I'm not getting my BSN along the way. I'll be graduating as an "Advanced Generalist". BUT, an adviser from another school told me very few of my Gen. MSN classes will transfer over to the NP program, AND financial aid will not cover a Post-Master's.

I'm just starting my 2nd semester. I really don't know what I'm going to do. I have to do more research.

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I am in the same boat as you. I am in an MSN program now and will graduate as an advanced generalist. I want to become an NP and the way to do that is to do a post masters certificate.

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Specializes in Psych.

Ok. So I looked up the generalist degree and it seems to have a lot of the core courses I just completed with my MSN ED. For example Theory and Ethics. I will only need to complete the NP specific courses. EKU is very affordable for a post MSN cert. Also take a look at 2nd MSN programs. Basically it's a post cert with a different title so you can be eligible for students loans (Gonzaga University comes to mind). Also, I'm curious. How are you getting your RN? If the program you are in is an MSN you'll have to get your RN along the way. If they don't award you a BSN somewhere in the program can you sit for your NCLEX after you graduate situated MSN? I'm a bit confused on this point. I did some research and all the MSNs generalists I found were for those already possessing a BSN.

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Specializes in nursing education.

OP, you can get the post-masters certificate- you would need to complete whatever coursework is needed for the NP program that is not in your MN/CNL/generalist masters program. For instance, if you have not taken all of the three P's (advanced patho, adv assessment, adv pharm) you would have to take it for the NP program. Lots of people do it; the college offering the cert reviews your transcript and tells you what you would need to complete.

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Therein lies all the confusion! This entry-level MSN program does not award an BSN, but yes, we are allowed to take the NCLEX after we graduate. There's a number of programs like this. I think they should lengthen the programs AND award a BSN.

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